Importance of Relationships in the Workplace

Working professionals spend a major part of their time during the week with co-workers than they do with their spouses and families. A work environment can become a more enjoyable place to be when the relationships among its people become positive and flexible. Work becomes more enjoyable when employee share good work relationships. Work relationships among employees can be improved through fun activities, team lunches, team outings and organization of informal get-togethers away from work. Resistance to change also decreases among people who share healthy work relationships.

People who know one another well are more likely to work well together. Team members who know, like and respect one other will be more willing to collaborate for the betterment of the team.

Spending time and energy to overcome the problems associated with negative relationships can be the most frustrating task where the productive time of employees, leaders and HR representatives is lost. Healthy work relationships will instead help in focusing on opportunities and win-win situations. Anyone will intend to continue working with people with whom they are on good terms with.

Good work relationships are not limited to organizational boundaries. A successful person in business is one who maintains positive work relationships throughout his professional circle who has a wide spread network of clients and suppliers. Relationship with customers, suppliers, stakeholders and the society at large is essential for an individual or a business to survive and grow which makes it equally important to build and maintain a working relationship with these people.

Below listed are some characteristics that make up good, healthy working relationships:

Trust

This is the foundation of every good relationship. When you trust your team and colleagues, you form a powerful bond that helps you work and communicate more effectively. If you trust the people you work with, you can be open and honest in your thoughts and actions and you don’t have to waste time and energy “watching your back.”

Mutual Respect

When you respect the people that you work with, you value their input and ideas, and they value yours. Working together, you can develop solutions based on your collective insight, wisdom and creativity.

Mindfulness

This means taking responsibility for your words and actions. Those who are mindful are careful and attend to what they say, and they don’t let their own negative emotions impact the people around them.

Welcoming Diversity

People with good relationships not only accept diverse people and opinions, but they welcome them. For instance, when your friends and colleagues offer different opinions from yours, you take the time to consider what they have to say, and factor their insights into your decision-making.

Open Communication

We communicate all day, whether we’re sending emails and IMs, or meeting face-to-face. The better and more effectively you communicate with those around you, the richer your relationships will be. All good relationships depend on open, honest communication.